SJR73,1,32 Whereas, Harriet Shetler, advocate for those with mental health needs, passed
3away on March 30, 2010, at the age of 92; and

SJR73,1,64 Whereas, Harriet Jane McCown was born in Leechburg, Pennsylvania, the
5daughter of a minister and former teacher, loved books and writing from an early age,
6and turned that interest into a successful career in journalism and teaching; and

SJR73,1,87 Whereas, Harriet was married to Charles W. Shetler for 67 years and together,
8they raised two children, Jane S. Ross (Richard) and Charles R. Shetler; and

SJR73,1,109 Whereas, Harriet's advocacy for mental health began when she was faced with
10her son's schizophrenia diagnosis; and

SJR73,1,1211 Whereas, as she was looking to learn from others who had family members with
12mental health needs, Harriet was introduced to Beverly Young; and

SJR73,1,1513 Whereas, together, they held the first meeting of the Alliance for the Mentally
14Ill in April 1977, which was attended by 13 people and within six months, the
15organization had 75 members; and

SJR73,2,4

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1Whereas, finding that there were other local organizations with the goal of
2bringing awareness to mental health needs, Harriet suggested that the Alliance for
3the Mentally Ill hold a national conference in 1979, which over 250 people attended,
4leading to the founding of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill; and

SJR73,2,85 Whereas, an effort born out of the need for two women trying to understand
6mental illness in their own families has evolved into a national force for advocacy for
7all people affected by mental illness, and Harriet's vision has affected countless
8families on their journey and will be felt by generations to come; and

SJR73,2,119 Whereas, Harriet was preceded in death by her husband, who died nine days
10before her on March 21, 2010, but is survived by her daughter Jane, son Charles, and
11two grandchildren; now, therefore, be it